[Montgomery, Ala.] -- In 1935, Governor Bibb Graves made his mark in Alabama history by fulfilling his campaign promise when the state hired and trained 74 men who patrolled Alabama’s highways on motorcycles. Eighty years later, history is made again as Trooper Lucy Still becomes the first female member of the Alabama State Trooper Motor Unit.

“Trooper Lucy Still is a symbol of the positive changes that have been made in state law enforcement and in our great state,” said Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier. “I am proud of Trooper Still not only for her commitment to protect the citizens of Alabama, but for her hard work and dedication, allowing her to achieve her goal of becoming a member of the State Trooper Motor Unit.”

Trooper Still attended the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center Trooper Academy in Selma during 2006. “During my training at the Trooper Academy, my roommate, Trooper Jennifer Jacobs, and I, observed members of the Motor Unit in the distance and continued to watch as they drove their motors to the Academy, leaving a lasting impression on us. That day, that moment, is when Trooper Jacobs and I, together, set a goal of becoming members of the Motor Unit,” said Trooper Still.

After recently completing the 80-hour Motor Unit training course, Trooper Still now patrols Alabama roadways as a member of the nostalgic Alabama State Trooper Motor Unit. Trooper Jacobs, however, was tragically killed several years ago. Trooper Still continued, “Achieving this goal is especially meaningful for me because I am doing this for both us.”

Over the past 80 years, state law enforcement has evolved from a motorcycle-mounted Highway Patrol to a multifaceted, comprehensive, statewide law enforcement agency that provides public safety to the citizens of Alabama. The emphasis of the State Trooper Motor Unit changed over the years with the Unit diminishing to a fleet of four motorcycles that only patrolled at such special events as Mardi Gras, Talladega races and the Trail of Tears. In 2000, through the use of grant funding, the Unit was revamped, allowing the focus to expand beyond special events to include routine patrols and Flying Wheel Details – four- to seven-day proactive data-driven enforcement details in high-crash corridors, focusing on such violations as speeding, DUIs and seat-belt usage. ###